Season 5 sets in Split and Klis appear ready, while there may be trouble for production in Dubrovnik

Some of our Game of Thrones cast and crew have descended on Los Angeles for tonight’s Primetime Emmy ceremony, but preparations for Season 5 continue in Croatia.

Our latest look at the new set in Split reveals some darker colours than most of us anticipated, and the installation of an overhead green screen.

Preparations at Klis Fortress look to be nearing completion as well, with all of the beams securely in place.

Filming of the Meereen storyline will likely be first up when the Croatian leg of filming commences later this week. Our sources tell us that Unsullied extras have been confirmed to be working from August 28th – September 2nd, and again from September 8th – September 16th. We’ve also received word that slave extras will be filming on September 5th and 6th.

While Split and its surrounding areas seem ready to roll, preparation in Dubrovnik may have hit a road bump. WotW reported in late June that HBO had asked permission to shoot a particular scene in the streets of Dubrovnik, and according to a new report from TMZ, permission has not yet been granted.

Spoilers ahead, read on at your own discretion.

Dubrovnik Cathedral

The scene in question would have included a naked actress accompanied by about 500 extras walking from Dubrovnik cathedral to Sponza Palace. According to TMZ’s sources, the Church of St. Nicholas is strongly against the scene, which they perceive as a public display of sexuality, and the local film commission will not give production a permit to film.

While it’s not hard to believe that the film commission and city officials would stand behind the church, this new information does come from an un-cited source, and has not been confirmed.

The Church of St. Nicholas lies roughly 60 meters north of the end point of the walk, Sponza Palace, so it is possible that the church raised concerns about the production of such a large, and let’s face it, touchy, scene being filmed in close proximity.

This could also explain the confusion about the numbers of extras reported to be working in Croatia by Embassy Films over the weekend. With 1,000 extras in total, and 750 in Split, the number initially reported to be used for the walk didn’t quite fit in.

TMZ also claims that producers have not yet found a workaround to the problem.

Isn’t this kind of obstinate disapproval and obstructionism from a vocal faction of religious leaders one of the reasons that the production team ultimately decided to leave Malta and move to Croatia between Seasons 1 and 2? It’s sad to see it happening again in the new location, especially after Game of Thrones has helped to bring in so much money and exposure to the region over the past few years. First it was (reportedly) the Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik, and now this. I don’t doubt the sincerity of the beliefs held by certain people involved in the situation, but from an outside perspective, I won’t deny that I find it to be pretty damn ridiculous.

If this report is accurate, and they can’t come to some form of compromise, what would the production team do? Would they film the crowd of extras reacting to a stand-in, then film the actress doing her part of the scene in the Belfast studio before combining the two together in post-production? I guess that could work, but as excellent as the CGI has been for most of the series, it’s still no substitute for using practical effects and actors on location whenever possible. It would be a shame if one of the most iconic scenes of the season winds up being in any way diminished because it doesn’t look as realistic as it might have under ideal circumstances. Especially for reasons like this.

Veltigar:
Tsss, what a bunch of prudes. I can’t believe they’d actually listen to that lot, after all the business GoT brought to the city over the years.

“That lot” would be people who actually live in the city. GOT is transitory. Not saying I necessarily agree with this decision, of course, but it’s far from surprising that the town government pays heed to local interests that they will be dealing with long-term.

They knew Croatia is a Catholic country and that they won’t be getting any actors to do nude scenes (nor filming in and around churches). What’s with the vitriol all of a sudden here? If they don’t like the scenery, the use of UNESCO sites, substantial tax cuts, profesionalism and enthusiasm for which in return we only ask the showrunners to show some respect, they are welcome to find a different country. I would suggest Egypt, I hear it is lovely there. Oh, and that recent “Bible-thumping” remark did not go over well either, guess they forgot that most of the under 40 population speaks English.. Attacking the Church is nonway to go, at least in Croatia..

TMZ report is bull and with all due respect, the author of this article is making it worse! Note that TMZ is stating that local officials “WILL not give” permission – future tense implying merely a “possibility” that permission will not be granted. This article misconstrues this as “permission has not been granted” suggesting that the request has already been denied, which is false. It is true that GOT crew had expected some difficulties with the scene and for this reason they prepared a contingency plan in shooting the nudity on the nearby island, however as of yet they are ready and expecting to shoot the scenes on the streets of the old city, just that the actress won’t be naked inside the church or in the immediate vicinity of the church. It is known!

I can’t believe those people! It’s so unfair that millions of fans will most likely suffer on quality loss (seeing as the scene is meant to be too grand and of too great a scale to be filmed at a studio and result into something truly worthwhile) merely because some people are simply far too narrow-minded to comprehend that we are living in an open society.

If a bunch of conservative prudes actually gets in the way of what might turn out to be one of the most spectacular and emotional scenes of the upcoming season, then… I don’t even know if there’s a ‘then’, and that’s the saddest part. Just, to those people who have chosen to preach values and completely ignore the other aspects of filming this material, get real. You’re ruining it for the lot of us.

LadyDraconian:
It’s so unfair that millions of fans will most likely suffer on quality loss (seeing as the scene is meant to be too grand and of too great a scale to be filmed at a studio and result into something truly worthwhile) merely because some people are simply far too narrow-minded to comprehend that we are living in an open society.

Strictly speaking, it’s their “society”, seeing as it’s their town and country.

Just, to those people who have chosen to preach values and completely ignore the other aspects of filming this material

There is just as much nudity, incest and violence in the bible as in Game of Thrones. The scene involved in this post is definitely not a scene about sexuality or T&A, it’s a scene about punishment (the kind of punishment that religious groups used to deal back in the day). I think it’s an exaggeration to prevent them from using Dubrovnik for the scene, and I understand D&D’s frustration (for the reasons I said above).

That said, they will (of course) not film there if they are told not to and will probably have to do some CGI stuff which will end up looking weird and fake.

They knew Croatia is a Catholic country and that they won’t be getting any actors to do nude scenes (nor filming in and around churches). What’s with the vitriol all of a sudden here? If they don’t like the scenery, the use of UNESCO sites, substantial tax cuts, profesionalism and enthusiasm for which in return we only ask the showrunners to show some respect, they are welcome to find a different country. I would suggest Egypt, I hear it is lovely there. Oh, and that recent “Bible-thumping” remark did not go over well either, guess they forgot that most of the under 40 population speaks English.. Attacking the Church is nonway to go, at least in Croatia..

Congratulations on being the appointed spokesperson for an entire country! Did that happen in an official ceremony? How were you chosen? Please tell!!!

Is it possible that the Church could say GOT can’t use any image of the church so that they couldn’t even take studio footage and CGI the church in the background? It’s bad enough that they’re not letting them shoot en situ but is it possible for them to restrict the use of the church in any way?

Read again the original report, the phrasing of this article and my comment, and you will see the discrepancy I am talking about. I was no trying to be condescending or adversarial, just sharing the info I have. We are not in a court of law, only on a rumor board. Having said that, please note that in the past I have provided “rumored” information from unnamed sources which proved accurate. Anyway, it is advisable to take all unofficial reports with a grain of salt, including my own reporting here.

Sean C.: Strictly speaking, it’s their “society”, seeing as it’s their town and country.

I’m pretty sure Croatia did not have a referendum on that. There have been no news on “Croatia holds a referendum on whether or not to allow GoT to film the Walk of Shame”. So, technically, no, it’s not “their” in the sense of being able to speak for a town or country. It’s “their” in the sense of living there, but it’s not like everyone who lives in a town or country gets to have a say in it.

I can’t speak to the specifics of Croatian law, but I doubt it. As long as the footage isn’t filmed from on their property, they can probably do whatever they want with it (as long as they don’t run afoul of libel laws or whatever, but seeing as it’s a fantasy TV show, I doubt that would get anywhere). Otherwise you would never be able to film panning shots of a city skyline without leaving yourself open to being sued by building owners.

Annara Snow: I’m pretty sure Croatia did not have a referendum on that.There have been no news on “Croatia holds a referendum on whether or not to allow GoT to film the Walk of Shame”. So, technically, no, it’s not “their” in the sense of being able to speak for a town or country. It’s “their” in the sense of living there, but it’s not like everyone who lives in a town or country gets to have a say in it.

Well obviously not. That’s why there’s a government structure to grant permits for stuff like this, which would take into account views expressed by the citizenry. In this case, based on the reporting, one such interest group has done so.

As I said, our country, our rules. They had ample time to find other suitable locations. Same as with the nude scenes where they don’t get local actors to play whores, they import those from the UK..

As for D&D’s frustration, local authorities are also frustrated because tourists are behaving worse and worse each year, I guess they don’t want ppl re-enacting that scene on the main street ad nauseam. Chasing naked German tourists around the Old City is enough..

Do I wish they would allow the walk – Yes. But does an international fictional TV series trump the rights and customs of local governance and institutions – No. The GOT crew has asked for permission to film (meaning they adhere to the idea they don’t have a right to do as they please). The town has reservations about the scene and unlike most people, at this point they seem to put those reservations above what money they will receive later. Don’t we want people to live up to their beliefs? Don’t we want people not to be sell outs to those with million dollar bank accounts?

I still want the scene and this is why when filming you can never assume people will blindly let you do as you wish. My .02

Hopefully they’ll come up with a workaround if it is true. While, I hope they don’t have to I understand where the people are coming from with their objections (even if I disagree). Getting rather nasty about religion and religious doesn’t change the facts. I take anything from TMZ with a grain of salt until/if we here from different sources.

I can’t speak to the specifics of Croatian law, but I doubt it.As long as the footage isn’t filmed from on their property, they can probably do whatever they want with it (as long as they don’t run afoul of libel laws or whatever, but seeing as it’s a fantasy TV show, I doubt that would get anywhere).Otherwise you would never be able to film panning shots of a city skyline without leaving yourself open to being sued by building owners.

Yes, but panning shots do not stop city life as shutting down a main street and arterial roadways will occur for the walk of shame. Secondly, from what I understand, some of the actors were to start at the cathedral, making it not a passive photo, but a prop in the filming of the scene. Using a building requires permission.

Words of Winter: Yes, but panning shots do not stop city life as shutting down a main street and arterial roadways will occur for the walk of shame. Secondly, from what I understand, some of the actors were to start at the cathedral, making it not a passive photo, but a prop in the filming of the scene.Using a building requires permission.

Um, yeah, but that has nothing whatsoever to do with the comment I was responding to, which asked whether:

it possible that the Church could say GOT can’t use any image of the church so that they couldn’t even take studio footage and CGI the church in the background?

From what I remember, Malta filming was banned not because of religious factions, but because the damage done to the environment.
Anyway, the Church’s ban is most likely due to the Church being part of that route, and obviously they won’t like that.

“TMZ report is bull and with all due respect, the author of this article is making it worse!”

Sounds very adversarial to me. This site is reporting on the information that is available right now I don’t see how they are making it worse. If it’s reported that Production does have a workaround than fine. Until then, they have to go with what they know so far

This news about Dubrovnik is really upsetting me. I live in Croatia and the church holds a lot of power here, which has troubled me over the years since I don’t agree with their politics and tradition.
And to see them meddling with GoT brings my animosity toward them on a whole other level!
(sorry for the rant)

On the first part I agree- your country your rules. But I will say that it’s a bit unreasonable to turn it down because “it’s a sexual scene” which it clearly isn’t. I do think D&D should have planned with this in mind (and I think TMZ are bullshitting here, I am sure they have a plan B even if they are fighting to make plan A work).

On the fear of scene reenactments, allow me to call bullshit. Only wackjobs would do that kind of thing. If that is their reason, it’s a pretty stupid reason. On tourists being more difficult- that naturally happens when you get more tourists. The show has helped your country’s economy a whole lot in the tourism department, but obviously you also have to deal with the bad side of the coin which is that tourists are fucking annoying sometimes.

I’m not saying the church has no right to do it, just that they are wrong in this occasion- that’s all. It’s not a sexual scene, it’s not some sick perverted pleasure moment for the viewers, it’s an emotional scene that strips a character down both physically and emotionally and I don’t think that’s something the church should fight against.

As someone who is from Dubrovnik, I get why that scene would be a not very good idea. I love the show but some limits have to exist. Hope they find some compromise. Btw I am surprised so many people here are so nasty, who are you to judge our ways and customs and call us names?

The Walk represents the culmination of a major character’s arc for the season. It’s too important to cut. If the city officials won’t allow the production team to film it in Dubrovnik, then they’ll shoot it somewhere else.

Sean C.: “That lot” would be people who actually live in the city.GOT is transitory.Not saying I necessarily agree with this decision, of course, but it’s far from surprising that the town government pays heed to local interests that they will be dealing with long-term.

1) I doubt that many people care. Just a very vocal minority who gets to ruin it for everyone else.
2) GoT must have had a hugely positive impact on the local economy, attracting tourists from all over the world on top of the dollars GoT already brings in on its own. Their must be lots of Croatians that make a living out of that. Forbidding to film a scene that is so important to the show is a slap in the face of these people and it hurts Dubrovniks prospects as a place for future filmprojects.

At least in Malta they whopped us away after the beheading.
Here they have been for a while, you know, ripping priests apart, smashing skulls.
Strange these people would accept this show in the first place.

Ok, I can agree that the re-enactment part is a bit of a stretch 😀
But I still find that scene troubling for some, and I doubt that the bishop read GoT. I also doubt that either D or D came to the palace and ASKED the bishop. But for the most part that scene is not something anyone from the clergy would like his church be associated with.

As for tourism, GoT gave a boost but we didn’t get 13 million tourists out of the blue or because of GoT. Certainly it helped but getting in the top 20 most visited countries in the world was a hard won struggle after the war.. I hope they find another venue as I like the show but some things are the way they are…

While there are a ton of news sites claiming this as absolute fact, I thought I made it pretty clear that this is just a claim by TMZ that is unconfirmed and has no reputable source. I completely agree that it could be a load of crap, however, it could be true, and it was presented here in combination with other news about filming and set progress.

I realize your initial gripe was that my article said that according to TMZ permission has not been granted. TMZ did claim that permission will not be granted, which implies that permission has not been granted at this time. I’ve added the word ‘yet’ to my sentence to make that more clear.

I’m sure it can be worked around though, the Red Wedding happened without The Twins even existing, and in episode 10 there looks to be atleast 80 extras… of course 500 extras in close quarters is a bit of a step up

Veltigar:
2) GoT must have had a hugely positive impact on the local economy, attracting tourists from all over the world on top of the dollars GoT already brings in on its own. Their must be lots of Croatians that make a living out of that. Forbidding to film a scene that is so important to the show is a slap in the face of these people and it hurts Dubrovniks prospects as a place for future filmprojects.

That would be something for the city officials to consider, and presumably they have.

Mayhaps I have worded my comments too harshly, I apologize for that, but my observation was valid and it is good that you corrected the reporting since it was not in line with the TMZ report. The problem with the scene was related to the actress being naked INSIDE the church or IN FRONT of the church. The main street in the old city is long enough to allow the scene to be shot without being in the immediate vicinity of the church. There is no problem with that from the officials, at least not a significant problem.

@ abyss

Unfortunately, I cannot… so you will have to take my word on it… of course you are free to disregard my comments entirely… just trying to be helpful…

As I said, our country, our rules. They had ample time to find other suitable locations. Same as with the nude scenes where they don’t get local actors to play whores, they import those from the UK..

As for D&D’s frustration, local authorities are also frustrated because tourists are behaving worse and worse each year, I guess they don’t want ppl re-enacting that scene on the main street ad nauseam. Chasing naked German tourists around the Old City is enough..

I am curious about a few things:

1. Not to be rude about it, but it does seem a bit strange you post as though you’re speaking for the entire country.

2. I’m not sure what naked German tourists have to do with Game of Thrones.

3. If you are genuinely concerned with people reenacting the scene in question, I would guess you are not familiar with the scene. The scene is one of utter humiliation for the character involved. I would be stunned if anyone would want to reenact it.

1.Not to be rude about it, but it does seem a bit strange you post as though you’re speaking for the entire country.

2.I’m not sure what naked German tourists have to do with Game of Thrones.

3.If you are genuinely concerned with people reenacting the scene in question, I would guess you are not familiar with the scene.The scene is one of utter humiliation for the character involved.I would be stunned if anyone would want to reenact it.

1. I post as someone who understands the opposing view presented, most of the comments here showing the lack of understanding of the decision in question..
2. As I said, stripping naked and walking around seems to be gaining more and more tract, why add gasoline to the fire?
3. I was stunned with that owling fad, Gangam style, Kardashians, Auschwitz selfies… TBH so few things would surprise me anymore…

Please do not take the occasional rude commenter as being representative of this site or GOT fans in general. Speaking only for myself, I’m unhappy that the Church is standing in the way of the scene. It seems like they don’t understand what it’s really about. Nevertheless, I totally respect the right of the community to tell GOT “no”. If this report turns out to be true, then D&D will just have to figure something out as the scene is vitally important to the story.

I know many people are constantly of the view of “the world is deteriorating!!! Children today!!! Pop culture today!!!!” and I understand how people could think that, especially with the media, but there’s a big difference between Gangnam Style being popular and the idea of people publicly reenacting a lady being stripped naked and viciously humiliated by a mob…

Waldman: 1. I post as someone who understands the opposing view presented, most of the comments here showing the lack of understanding of the decision..
2. As I said, stripping naked and walking around seems to be getting more and more tract, why add gasoline to the fire?
3. I was stunned with owling fad, Gangam style, Kardashians… Few things woukd surprise me anymore…

You certainly have a better understanding of the opposing view, given you’re living in Croatia, and it may well be that view is shared by more than those of us here realize, or want to believe. It just seemed like you were presenting your views as more of the official view of the people of Croatia.

I’m sorry, but I still don’t see the connection. Thinking that allowing this scene to be filmed will give rise to more German tourists choosing to get naked in your streets seems a bit alarmist, imo.

I’m not sure what the owling fad is, but I am with you on being puzzled by the popularity of things like the Kardashians!

I don’t know why you make it sound like a big problem ! Can’t they find another church that would allow them ? I was thinking not a church but a palace that looks like a sept from the outside ? With adding some CGI ! / they are going to spain ! Maybe there are some suitable places there and they will allow them to shoot ! I’m sure they will find a sulotion they will now cut an important scene just because one church refused to let them shoot /:

The Church does not equal “the community.” Yes, Croatia is a highly Christian country for European standards, but religion is viewed and practiced differently in Southern Europe than it is in the US: communities don’t gather around the Church as much. While religious people do go to Church on Sundays and they do the traditional stuff, such as weddings and baptisms, it’s more about tradition than belief (i.e. Creationism isn’t much of an issue in Europe, not even in traditionally Catholic countries.) Granted, I live in Northern Spain, which is much less religious than most of Southern Europe, but still —here, most of the people you’ll find at churches are from an older generation, young kids who have no say in the matter and immigrants from truly practicing South American countries. The few others attend because it’s a family tradition, not for a particular sense of belief. I hold no judgement in either direction, by the way.

My point is — if you are trying to get a sense of what the community thinks as a whole, what the Church says doesn’t matter THAT much. As it should be, the Game of Thrones production team will have to negotiate with the local government, not with the Church. Hopefully they’ll reach to a nice arrangement and it will all work out.

Nymeria Warrior Queen: You certainly have a better understanding of the opposing view, given you’re living in Croatia, and it may well be that view is shared by more than those of us here realize, or want to believe.It just seemed like you were presenting your views as more of the official view of the people of Croatia.

I’m sorry, but I still don’t see the connection.Thinking that allowing this scene to be filmed will give rise to more German tourists choosing to get naked in your streets seems a bit alarmist, imo.

I’m not sure what the owling fad is, but I am with you on being puzzled by the popularity of things like the Kardashians!

Nah, I am sure there are plenty of folks who don’t mind filming the scene there, but I would hazard to guess that the majority would not be overly happy (and no, I am not saying that they would hold a protest rally against Cersei showing some boobs either lol).

As for the German tourists, that was said half in jest (u wouldn’t be German by any chance? :D) our cops will have a coronary if they have to go around chasing naked ladies. I was merely implying that let us not give any more ideas to people. I know, seems a bit far fetched? So is adult people doing this XDhttp://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lorez2lgZV1qbmoixo1_500.jpg
That’s owling, a precursor to planking, I believe..

Emilia is adorable in her vid, ‘Mother of Crap’ who uses that as a swear XD

Also, Greenjones posting that NCW vid just caused a fullblown regression into Mads-Mikkelsen-as-Euron-territory for poor old Velti. Thanks a bunch :p you ruined a month of treatment at the Betty Ford’s center :'(

Dave: What’s the problem?
HAL: I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do.
Dave: What are you talking about, HAL?
HAL: This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it.
Dave: I don’t know what you’re talking about, HAL.
HAL: I know that you and Dan were planning to cast someone other than Mads Mikkelsen to play Euron, and I’m afraid that’s something I cannot allow to happen.
Dave: Where the hell did you get that idea, HAL?
HAL: Dave, although you took very thorough precautions in the pod against my hearing you, I could see your lips move.
Dave: Alright, HAL. I’ll go in through the emergency airlock.
HAL: Without your space helmet, Dave? You’re going to find that rather difficult.
Dave: HAL, I won’t argue with you anymore! Open the doors!
HAL: Dave, this conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye.

Waldman: Nah, I am sure there are plenty of folks who don’t mind filming the scene there, but I would hazard to guess that the majority would not be overly happy (and not saying that they would hold a protest rally against Cersei showing some boobs either lol).

As for the German tourists, that was said half in jest (u wouldn’t be German by any chance? :D) our cops will have a coronary if they have to go around chasing naked ladies. I was merely implying that let us not give any more ideas to people. I know, seems a bit far fetched? So is adult people doing this XDhttp://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lorez2lgZV1qbmoixo1_500.jpg
That’s owling, a precursor to planking, I believe..

Well, hopefully in the negotiations, it can be communicated this scene is not one of gratuitous nudity, nor is it encouraging sexuality. In fact, the scene is, at least in part, a representation of condemning the character involved for their sexuality, or acting on it.

No, hahaha, I’m not German. I do happen to live in an area which is overrun by tourists for a good part of the year. I have personally seen instances of Germans going to the beach, and getting at least partially naked (mostly women going topless). They seem surprised to learn that is against the law here. So, when you mentioned naked German tourists, I thought of that.

I understand what do you try to explain on religious note – very similar situation is in Croatia.
But, you are wrong with one legal thing: the church (Building) and its territory it is the Church proprety not state or local (City) property. At least in Croatia.

Maybe this big entrance they’ve made with the pillars is for the Sept of Baelor so that they CAN shoot the scene. Maybe they never were denied the location in Sibenik and this ain’t the HoWaB after all. It would be shit luck if they were denied TWO locations due to Churchfolk.

Mmmw what I still don’t understand is what would be the problem with more naked german tourists running around…is it because they are german or because they are tourists?

Regading people re-enacting the scene yes, that would totally happen! Fo shizzle! I would just forbid any kind of filming in public places everywhere in the world, just to be safe…the Re-enactment Guerrilla is lurking in a place near you!

First off, considering the nature of the source of this rumour (?!), or lack thereof and the “infotainment outlet” which is reporting this, and I’m using even that phrase loosely, its more like a den of stupid vipers or a nest of retards (its TMZ by the way in case you are wondering), I wouldn’t put much stock in it…and frankly don’t give two shits whether true or not…

This is hardly anything new for productions of this scale, especially that of a show, which has had the impact and reach that “Game Of Thrones” has accumulated over the past seasons and the publicity that comes with all that etc., something that while advantageous can also have negative connotations…

Issues such as these are bound to come up at some point, and I am sure that this is hardly the first hurdle that the GoT producers have faced over the past…what is it now…almost six years? The difference that before the show wasn’t as scrutinized as it is now and reports about similar issues either slipped by or were never made in the first place. There are always solutions and practical ways to work around this.

But now that the fame/infamy celebutard media machine has smelled the airs and figured that there is something to be gained by being tacked on to the show and its crew and cast, of course every moron, idiot and fucktard pertaining to the plethora…nay…diarrhea spawned infotainment outlets…is all of a sudden a fan of the show and an expert! ‘Cause nothing says “Game Of Thrones” expert more than watching Billy Bush (apparently no relation to the Bush, family, clan cult or whatever the hell they are) trying to and miserably failing to pronounce some of the names and places from the show…well actually butchering them is more like it!

All I am saying is, apart from the swearing and insults, that things like these are to be expected.

As for the religious aspect, dimenssion or whatever…I’m already too tired to engage in a debate over such a ridiculous subject matter, suffices to say, that I find it mighty ironic that the Catholic Church has objections to sexuality and nudity…considering…well you know what I mean…

So…rant over…I think I’m going to order some pizza now…yep…and then watch Walder Frey aka David Bradley kick some vampire ass in “The Strain”…well more like decapitate!

I also don’t like the church pushing other people around because of their beliefs. But know what? This is on their property. It is there right to say no. And honestly, I could see their point. While disappointing, I can’t imagine that D&D couldn’t figure out another way of setting it all up behind a green screen or something. Its not ideal, but it will do a lot for the good will with the community since the show is being taped there for the next three years, no?

And btw, least someone think I am a religious fanatic – I was raised Jewish, but have very little belief in any religion right now. Haven’t for decades. But I do believe that people have the right to their beliefs esp when it occurs on their own property.

I have been lurking on this site since its inception, so it feels a little weird to jump straight in on such a divisive topic. But I am. So…

I am not Catholic, in fact I strongly disagree with most of their positions. HOWEVER–if a TV show planned to film a scene outside an Hasidic synagogue that went against even the most orthodox of Jewish tenets, I would feel uncomfortable, even though I am far (VERY far) from being Orthodox myself. The church/temple/any place of worship is the property of that particular religious community and their beliefs in that space are sacrosanct, and the rights of a popular TV show shouldn’t be held above them.

That being said, I do hope they find a way to film it, and to film it well. It’s such an important scene, and one of my favorites, and I will be very disappointed if it turns out to be very obviously CGI.

I disagree with the leaders of that church that it’s a “sexual” scene (I read another article that called it “racy,” which pissed me off). It’s not. It’s a scene about humiliation. However I’m wondering if the church leaders have read ADWD and see it in its context. Even if they have, though, and even though I disagree with their decision, I can’t blame them for wanting control of how their own property is portrayed on screen.

Um don’t worry too much guys, they most definitely won’t cut the Walk, it’s too big a set piece.
Besides, production teams are very used to setbacks like these, in fact production usually is one setback after another, permanent disaster containment and reworking plans on the go every day.
They’ll manage, with another location or CGI or both.

They cant have the show without this series same with RW and PW. They need it. It’s iconic. They better come up with a solution.

Also… it’s not ‘the people’. Its a local church. Conservative religious nuts who feel they have the right to make decision for others. Apparently they think their version (out of 1000s of other choices) is the best explanation for the afterlife and so they should be able to see what can and cannot happen in their country. This is exactly why the church shouldnt be allowed to have any control anymore. They dont burn witches like they used to but i wouldnt put it passed them if they regain power (let’s just look at the atrocities commited in islamic world for example)
Without all those people we’d probably discussing which valley of Mars the scene could best be shot not while city of Croatia…

While I disagree with the decision made (assuming the report is accurate), I fully support the right of the church to have a say in what happens on their property and the right of the local government to factor in the views of major local organisations. This isn’t one of those cases of organised religions interfering in peoples basic rights, it’s about a filming a scene in a TV show (admittedly an awesome one). Hopefully they’ll find a way to still film it well, but even if the scene does suffer a bit, I’m okay with that if it means respecting the core beliefs of the locals (or a portion thereof). I have MANY issues with religion interfering with other peoples lives but this isn’t a case of that. This is a case of the film crew coming to them and potentially disturbing them. If they have a problem with it then I support their refusal of it.

Barry:
Also… it’s not ‘the people’. Its a local church. Conservative religious nuts who feel they have the right to make decision for others. Apparently they think their version (out of 1000s of other choices) is the best explanation for the afterlife and so they should be able to see what can and cannot happen in their country. This is exactly why the church shouldnt be allowed to have any controlanymore.

Er, no, it’s the city government making this decision. The church officials lobbied against it, as is their right as citizens.

To people who are saying that this shouldn’t happen in a “free society:” most of the world does NOT live in a “free society.” As an American, it saddens me more that most of these comments seem to be coming from American viewers. This shows the sad state of Americans’ awareness of the rest of the world–beliefs, cultures, political structures, etc. Sad.
Having said that, I can’t believe the other posters trying to claim that the Croatians should give a thought to the meaning of the scene within the context of the show. What the hell difference does THAT make? The Croatians have every right to regulate public nudity!! Especially prolonged public nudity involving upwards of 100 people taking over public avenues that pass by businesses and residences where everyday Croatians will be trying to go about their daily lives! Please step out of Westeros for just a moment.
D&D will find a way to film this. There are better venues, even indoors, and CGI tricks that they can use. The “Bible thumpers” comment was unfortunate as it again displays a lack of respect for others’ values and a narrow world view. But I have faith that they WILL solve the problem.

D&D will find a way to film this. There are better venues, even indoors, and CGI tricks that they can use. The “Bible thumpers” comment was unfortunate as it again displays a lack of respect for others’ values and a narrow world view. But I have faith that they WILL solve the problem.

The “Bible thumpers” comment was awesome. And 100% true. The Bible includes such lovely stories as Lot’s daughters getting their father drunk so they could have sex with him and get pregnant. Not to mention all those other times when the Old Testament is not just describing but endorsing genocide, murder of children, slavery, rape etc.

Yes the bible is shall we say ‘problematic’. This isn’t about that though. It’s about the local population being able to refuse other people doing things they’re opposed to on their own doorstep. This is about the right of those being intruded upon to have a say in what happens not the right of the intruders to dictate what happens. To deny the church’s rights in this instance is truly hypocritical of any who take issue with religious groups being able to control what in the lives of others.

Ultimately, it is the decision of city officials listening to their constituents (whatever the decision is given we do not know for sure at this point). The level of entitlement parts of GOT fandom feels about this is over the top.

In brief:
The Church gave to Croatian press a brief statement on the “problem”.
They said they would not allow the naked person to exit the church and walk out the building, but they also stated that they could not forbid the filming on the other parts of City which are not under their ingerency.

So, I do not see any dramatic consequences on the production itself. It seems the main problem was the exit out the the church itself – not the entire walk.

As for the German tourists, that was said half in jest (u wouldn’t be German by any chance? :D) our cops will have a coronary if they have to go around chasing naked ladies. I was merely implying that let us not give any more ideas to people. I know, seems a bit far fetched?

That’s too bad, cause I’m German and would like to visit Dubrovnik sometime in the future. Running naked through the old town was a top priority on my to-do list! Deeply frustrating…

Is there a slim chance that this applies only to elderly and fat peope and not to handsome young guys like me?